Nursing job search: Frequently asked questions

1. What are the common questions asked during a nursing job interview?

Visit our interviewing for my first nursing job webpage. This page includes preparation tips, common questions, and what to expect in nursing interviews.

2. When can I begin practising as a registered nurse?

You can start practising once you receive your PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). For more information on PIN requirements, registration delays and application processes visit NMC webpage on registering as a nurse.

3. I haven't completed all my programme requirements yet. How should I approach job applications?

While you'll need to complete all programme requirements before NMC registration, you can start preparing your applications and researching opportunities. Some employer's welcome early conversations with graduating students, which helps you understand what different organisations offer.

4. What support do I get when I start my first registered nursing role?

It is recognised that being an autonomous registered nurse is quite different from being a student under direct supervision. Preceptorship provides ongoing, targeted support during this transition period to help you develop confidence and competence in your new role as a registered nurse.

Most organisations should offer preceptorship programmes specifically designed for newly registered nurse, following national preceptorship frameworks that recognise the importance of supporting new practitioners. Find out more on the preparing for your first nursing job webpage.

5. Can I start exploring job opportunities before I finish my course?

Absolutely! Your final months of study are perfect for exploring the exciting array of opportunities available in modern nursing. Many employers run recruitment events specifically for final-year students, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into different organisations and specialisms.

6. Do I have to stay with my employer or service after completing my nursing apprenticeship?

It depends on your specific contract. Most apprenticeship agreements include a commitment period after qualification. Check your apprenticeship contract for details, speak to your line manager and HR team.

7. How important is my first nursing role for my career?

Your first role provides the strong foundation for transitioning from student to confident nurse. While important for this transition, it's just the beginning of your journey. Many successful nurses didn't start in their eventual specialty area - nursing careers are famously diverse, allowing you to explore different sectors, settings and opportunities throughout your professional life. Focus on finding a role with excellent learning opportunities and strong support systems.

8. Can I apply for nursing positions in settings where I haven't had placements?

Yes! Your nursing education has equipped you with transferable skills that apply across various settings. Previous work experience, volunteering, or personal experiences also contribute to your skillset. For instance, you may wish to apply for a role within a neonatal unit, so any experience working with babies and families where you developed your communication skills would be hugely valued.

9. Where can I find the best nursing job opportunities?

Read the "How to find nursing job opportunities" section for comprehensive guidance on accessing opportunities across hospitals, communities, research, and specialist services.

10. Are fixed-term contracts worth considering?

Definitely! Due to a number of factors organisations may only be able to offer fixed term contracts. Fixed term roles offer excellent experience and frequently lead to permanent positions within the same organisation. They provide valuable learning opportunities while keeping your options open for other applications. The experience you gain will strengthen all future job applications.

11. I can only work part-time, but all jobs advertised are full-time. How can I find flexible nursing opportunities?

Many employers offer flexible working arrangements, even if not explicitly advertised. Contact employers and recruiting managers directly to discuss your needs - many are keen to attract skilled nurses and will explore creative solutions.

12. How can I turn a job opportunity into career success?

Nursing careers are incredibly diverse and ever evolving, creating exciting opportunities you might not have initially imagined. Each role, regardless of specialty, contributes valuable skills to your professional development. Embrace the 'squiggly' career path that allows you to explore different areas and discover your true passions across nursing.

13. Why are community nursing roles an excellent choice for new graduates?

Community nursing offers outstanding learning opportunities from day one. Community preceptorship programmes provide the same high-quality support as hospital programmes.

With the government announcing the 10-year Health Plan, healthcare is increasingly moving toward community-based models, starting your career in community settings positions you at the forefront of modern nursing practice.

Community nurses work across diverse settings and provide care that spans health promotion, complex health needs, chronic disease management, mental health support, end-of-life care and acute interventions.

The Queen's Nursing Institute provides detailed information about the breadth and depth of community nursing work, showing how community nurses combine advanced clinical skills with deep knowledge of local communities and resources.

14. What opportunities are there for working in primary care (general practices)

Nursing in primary care offers diverse and strong career progression opportunities, with pathways from newly qualified roles to advanced nurse practitioner positions.

The most common nursing role in primary care is a general practice nurse. These roles work in GP surgeries and health centres, providing care across all age groups, hence they offer options for each of the four fields of practice. There are increasingly more roles becoming available for mental health nurses, learning disability nurses, and children's nurses in general practice settings to offer specific clinics and care.

Primary care nurses manage chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma, deliver immunisations and health screenings, treat minor illnesses, and coordinate care for patients with complex needs. This role allows you to build long-term relationships with patients and families in the local community, while working autonomously with excellent clinical decision-making opportunities. On any given day, you could be caring for several generations of the same family!

There is currently a fully funded three months Discovering a Nursing Career in General Practice education module available to nurses (in any of the four fields) and nursing associates (both qualified and pre-registration) across England to help understand the general practice role and assist with applications.

You can find out more about the role and vacancies through your local primary care training hub.

15. What nursing roles are there outside of the NHS?

Nursing offers a rewarding career across a wide range of employers. The skills you've developed during your education are valued by employers and the communities you serve.

A significant proportion of health and care is provided within community, primary and social care settings. Many of these services aren't within the NHS, so it's important to explore all options as there are many opportunities.

Consider nursing roles in social care settings, independent healthcare providers, care homes, charitable organisations, occupational health services, research institutions, forensic and justice health services (for example, prisons, custody suites, victim support) and the armed forces.

These sectors often provide excellent training, competitive packages, and career development opportunities. Many nurses build fulfilling careers moving between different sectors, gaining diverse experience that strengthens their professional development. Working outside the NHS doesn't diminish the value of your contribution - you'll still be providing essential care and making a real difference to people's lives.

Use the comprehensive resources listed throughout this guide to explore the full range of opportunities available and remember that your nursing career can follow many different paths while remaining equally rewarding.

16. Not all of my placements were clinical, does this make my experience less valuable than a core clinical one?

Every placement adds value to your CV! Whether you completed elective and non-clinical placements or quality improvement projects, these experiences demonstrate your adaptability and comprehensive understanding of healthcare. Connect these diverse experiences to the four pillars of nursing practice when showcasing your capabilities to employers. Draw on the transferable skills you developed and how they can be applied across wider areas.

17. What should I look for when choosing the right role for me?

Look beyond job titles to understand the daily responsibilities, preceptorship offer, learning opportunities, and support structures available. Read the rest of this webpage for helpful tips and guidance.

18. How do I balance location preferences with career opportunities? 

While practical considerations are important, consider the wider picture. Sometimes learning opportunities might involve a reasonable commute or temporary relocation (if possible). Weigh the long-term benefits of alternative experience and training against immediate location factors. This might include new specialisms, teams, organisations and regions.

19. Can I go straight into an educator role for healthcare support workers or nursing associates?

Generally, not, educator roles for healthcare support workers (HCSWs) or nursing associates typically require significant clinical experience and additional qualifications in education or training. Most employers and education providers expect nurses to have substantial post-registration experience before moving into teaching roles.

However, you could explore opportunities to mentor students during placements in your clinical role, which provides valuable teaching experience and can be a stepping stone towards formal educator positions later in your career.

For higher education institution (HEI) educator roles, requirements vary. It's essential to review specific job descriptions as HEI positions often emphasise academic qualifications alongside clinical experience.

20. I’ve completed by registered nursing programme and received my pin; can I go onto becoming dual qualified in another field of nursing or train as a midwife?

Yes, qualified nurses can train in other fields of nursing or pursue midwifery training. For example, if you qualified as an adult nurse, you could train in mental health, learning disability, or children's nursing.

Similarly, nurses can apply for shortened midwifery programmes designed for registered nurses. Entry requirements vary between education providers- some programmes welcome newly qualified nurses while others prefer candidates with clinical experience.

21. Can I work additional hours on the bank or with NHS professionals upon registration?

Yes, you can on the bank and with NHS professionals in agreement with the provider trust. However, for your preceptorship to be effective, it must take place in a consistent environment and with a substantive contract, therefore consideration needs to be given to frequency of work. For example, if you consistently work on the same ward/speciality area, you can likely complete your preceptorship.

22. Can I go directly to train in health visiting, school nursing or occupational health nursing after completing my pre-registration nursing or midwifery programme? 

The specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN) section of the NMC register is for qualified nurses and midwives who work in specialist public health roles. This includes health visitors (midwives and nurses), school nurses and occupational health nurses who have successfully completed post-registration SCPHN programmes. 

The NMC sets the minimum regulatory standards for education and training leading to registration for SCPHN. Whilst the standards do not specify that post-registration experience working as a nurse or midwife is required, education providers will have details of their additional entry requirements. Visit NMC approved SCPHN education provider webpages to find these requirements and speak to their admissions teams about your individual circumstances. 

Some SCPHN programmes will require 6-12 months or more of clinical experience, while others may be able to support you to develop those skills during your time within a role and in preparation for commencing a SCPHN programme.  

It is important to note that the NMC requires applicants to have their NMC pin on entry to SCPHN programmes as a minimum regulatory standard. This means individuals can apply for programmes whilst in the final year of pre-registration nurse or midwifery training, if they meet the education provider’s entry requirements. However, they cannot start the programme unless they have received their NMC pin and official confirmation of NMC registration. 

23. Can I go directly to train for other post-registration programmes like prescribing after completing my pre-registration nursing or midwifery programme?   

It is important to note that the NMC requires applicants to have their NMC pin on entry as a minimum regulatory standard to enter post-registration education programmes. This means individuals can apply for programmes whilst in the final year of pre-registration nurse or midwifery training, if they meet the education provider’s entry requirements. However, they cannot start the programme unless they have received their NMC pin and official confirmation of NMC registration. 

Education providers delivering post-registration programmes may have additional or desirable requirements to those set by the NMC. These would usually be around specific qualifications, recent study and recognition of prior learning applications.  

Usually, post-registration programmes such as prescribing will have additional entry requirements, such as one year’s experience as a nurse or midwife on entry. Specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN) entry requirements are covered in the question above.